Colts' Mock Draft: Safety First, Offense Boosted

0:00On April 20th, the Indianapolis Colts are eyeing a safety at Pick 47 in Round 2 for the 2026 NFL draft, kicking off April 23rd. After trading their first rounder for Sauce Gardener, this mock draft haul prioritizes that key defensive spot amid roster gaps. It's the final installment in a series, testing different Round 2 strategies for Indy. Safety's a glaring need since they lost starter. Take cross to the Washington commanders in Def Guy, Rodney Thomas to the Seattle Seahawks. They added 1-8 Thomas, Jonathan Owens, and comeback Vettna Sear Adderley, but still lack a clear partner for Cam Bynum. Grabbing LSU's AJ Halsey here could feel that Versatile Role, Lou and Arumo craves. Fans might gripe skipping edge or linebacker early, but this build snags Yukon Whiteout, Skyler Bell at Pick 78 in Round 3 to replace. Michael Pittman Jr. Bell brings grit, speed after the catch, and slot flexibility to pair

1:00with Alec Pierce and Josh Downes right away. Deeper rounds beef up the edge with Auburn's Kiwan Crawford in Round 4 Utah linebacker Lander Barton in Round 5 for his playmaking size, and Offensive Line helped via Oregon tackle Alex Harky in Round 6. Late 7th rounder's target Houston Corner Latreoma Cuchin for outside death and Dartmouth's Delby Lemieux as a center tackle sleeper. This safety first approach navigates a tricky board, blending immediate starters with high upside projects to fortify Indy's defense and offense for the Long Hall.